Additional Requirements: In addition to meeting the basic requirements in the education section, applicants must also meet additional qualification requirements as stated below. GS-12: Applicants must demonstrate at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. The specialized experience requirements for the GS-12 level of this position are: Experience assisting with applied research in vector biology, entomology, or molecular biology. This includes experience participating in research studies on arthropod vectors (such as ticks or mosquitoes); utilizing laboratory techniques like molecular cloning, PCR, or cell culture to analyze host-pathogen interactions; managing biological samples safely under BSL-2 or higher containment protocols; and contributing data or text to scientific manuscripts and annual progress reports. OR Ph.D. degree or equivalent doctoral degree, if related. Related degrees include genetics, molecular biology, cell biology, ecology. OR A combination of education and experience as specified above. GS-13: Applicants must demonstrate at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. The specialized experience requirements for the GS-13 level of this position are: Experience planning and executing independent research projects focusing on tick vector ecology, population genetics, or vector competency for zoonotic or emerging pathogens. This includes experience establishing or maintaining arthropod/vector colonies for research; modifying or adapting scientific methodologies to investigate viral pathogens (such as Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever or related high-consequence agents); managing assigned project resources or funding; and serving as a primary author on peer-reviewed scientific publications or technical reports. GS-14: Applicants must demonstrate at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-13 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. The specialized experience requirements for the GS-14 level of this position are: Experience leading a multidisciplinary research program or project focused on the transmission dynamics, vector ecology, and host-pathogen interactions of foreign animal or zoonotic diseases. This includes experience serving as a Principal Investigator directing research on high-consequence viral pathogens within high-biocontainment facilities (BSL-3 or BSL-4); establishing collaborative scientific partnerships; providing technical supervision or administrative oversight to laboratory staff; and publishing authoritative, peer-reviewed research findings that influence national or international agricultural health strategies. GS-15: Applicants must demonstrate at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-14 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. The specialized experience requirements for the GS-15 level of this position are: Experience providing senior scientific leadership, strategic direction, and program oversight for a national-level research portfolio dedicated to biodefense and foreign animal disease intervention strategies. This includes experience serving as an international authority in vector biology or molecular virology; conceptualizing novel research frameworks to counter high-consequence zoonotic threats (such as Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever virus); directing complex operations in maximum biocontainment (BSL-4) environments; managing substantial institutional budgets and personnel structures; and presenting definitive scientific findings to federal leadership and international advisory bodies to safeguard public and agricultural health. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Applicants must be available to report for duty at the time a selection is made. Selections are typically made within 30 days of the closing date of the announcement. To comply with USDA personnel security requirements and requirements of the Federal Select Agent Program (FSAP) for access to information and areas with Biological Select Agents and Toxins (BSAT), including Tier One Select Agents at NBAF, the incumbent must meet the following: Pre-employment and random testing of substances of abuse; Participation in and adherence to the facility's Occupational Health Program; Participation in and adherence to the facility's Personal Reliability Program; The ability to obtain/maintain favorably adjudicated Background Investigations or Security clearances (required by USDA); The ability to obtain/maintain a favorable Security Risk Assessment (required by FSAP). To prevent the transmission of disease out of biocontainment and retention of the position, the incumbent must meet the following medical standards in a pre-employment medical examination conducted after the receipt of a preliminary job offer and on a periodic basis: Ability to shower out of biocontainment one or more times per day; Not have any uncontrolled skin condition which would prevent this; Body piercings must be able to be removed prior to entry and / or meet biosafety approval; External medical assist devices must have the ability to be removed prior to entering or not impede the ability to enter biocontainment, and the individual must still be able to shower out safely without assistance; Ability to follow instructions regarding decontamination from biocontainment; Any medical condition which could create an unsafe environment for the individual or his/her co-workers, such as: insufficient control of a medical disorder which could result in sudden loss of consciousness; and inadequate vision and hearing required for safety in a laboratory environment. Medical confidentiality will be maintained by the examining physician and only fitness (or unfit) for duty determination will be indicated. The incumbent will also be required to pass periodic fitness for duty physicals. In addition, a medical clearance will be required in the event that it becomes necessary to enter an area where an air purifying respirator or other respiratory protection is required. A baseline blood sample may be required for employees entering and working in the biocontainment facilities. For the health and safety of the incumbent and to prevent the spread of disease, immunization against diseases being studied at NBAF which are transmissible to humans may be required where the vaccine has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for safety and effectiveness under the provision of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, as amended 21 USC 321-392. Where the vaccine has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for investigational purposes, the incumbent will be advised that such immunization is voluntary.